- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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These are authentic punk anthems, played by a band who actually knows how to play their instruments now.
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Even as Punk Rock shows that The Mekons have far better musicians today than when they were first fumbling around with Gang of Four's instruments, it also proves they're better songwriters.
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UncutThey remain funny, fly and fit for the future. [May 2004, p.104]
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This is Mekons as Mekons cover band, time traveling backwards, picking up their own past selves and fast forwarding to a time that needs them once again.
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MojoUnessential, yes, but hardly uninteresting. [Feb 2004, p.101]
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Some of the songs have aged better than others, making this a better album for longtime fans than for newcomers.
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Mekons are the equal of any post-punk band on both sides of the Atlantic, and they are still very serious about proving it.
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This stellar, adventurous album just may be the best thing they've attempted since 1989's "The Mekons Rock'n'Roll."
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Punk Rock bears little resemblance to the commodified dross that passes for punk in 2004; it's proud, smart, defiantly working-class stuff that'll remind you why the movement mattered.
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The songs aren't always as good as one might hope, especially in comparison to The Mekons' peak period.
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In the band's able hands, the music still sounds dangerous, unpredictable, and potent.
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These aren't indelible tunes like "At Home He's a Tourist" or "Suspect Device." But months later they're still getting not just stronger but rawer, which isn't how this game usually works.
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Shows that Jon Langford’s voice has lost bite but gained growl.